Mohammedan Sporting win maiden I-League title; earn promotion to ISL

Mohammedan Sporting defeated Shillong Lajong in the I-league clash.

Mohammedan SC have won the prestigious I-League, with a narrow win/draw against Shillong Lajong, to become only the second side to get promoted into the ISL.

The historic club, which was formed 133 years ago, has always been a pioneering force in the footballing landscape of the nation. 

Having been formed late into the 19th century, Mohammedan enjoyed a glorious period in the first few decades and were amongst the top-ranked Indian sides. But then came a gradual downfall and a period of major failure, where Mohammedan faced an extreme financial crisis, being relegated both from the National Football League, as well as the National Football League 2nd division. 

The period of extreme hardship finally started to wither about a decade ago, and from there on the club has been making extreme progress. 

This season, under the leadership of Russian protagonist Andrey Chernyshov, Mohammedan have shown incredible might, to secure a place at the top of the table, and earn direct promotion into the Indian Super League, the top tier of Indian football. 

In the league as well, Mohammedan came on with a bang, going 11 games unbeaten, before losing out to Real Kashmir, which remains their only defeat in the league so far.

Some of the biggest highlights of the season include a 6-0 win over TRAU, a 2-1 win over Sreenidhi Deccan, as well as a 5-1 win against Rajasthan. 

On Saturday (6th April), Mohammedan came back from a 1-0 deficit against Shillong Lajong, to win 2-1, and secure the I League title. 

With their promotion, the next season of ISL will see three clubs from Kolkata play in the league. Also, their inclusion will revive old rivalries that Mohammedans share with their neighboring clubs.

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